Ha Giang Loop: Complete Guide to Vietnam's Epic Road Trip
Update: Nov 12, 2024
The Ha Giang Loop is a must-do adventure for anyone visiting northern Vietnam. Along with cultural immersion and amazing landscape, this famous motorbike path provides a unique trip over one of the most isolated parts of the nation. Let MOTOGO Tours explore this beautiful loop.  

What is the Ha Giang Loop?

Located in Ha Giang Province, the Ha Giang Loop is a famous motorbike route that passes through key destinations like Dong Van, Meo Vac, Yen Minh, and Ha Giang. It offers travelers an opportunity to explore some of Vietnam’s most remote areas, including the Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the country's highest and most scenic routes. Along the way, you’ll encounter 22 ethnic groups, each with their own unique traditions and delicious cuisine, adding rich cultural layers to the adventure.

How Long Does It Take to Complete the Ha Giang Loop Tour?

Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Tour 4 Days 4 Nights

See the breathtaking northern Vietnam scenery with 4-day, 4-night Ha Giang Loop Tour with seasoned easy rider accompaniment. Perfect for foreign explorers seeking thrills, this journey will take you to some of Vietnam's most remote and stunning locations.

Night 0: Getting to Ha Giang by bus

8:00 PM: Meet at Cheers Hostel Hanoi, housed on 05 Au Trieu Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Have free tea and coffee all through the day. For your convenience, Cheers Hostel in both Hanoi and Ha Giang City also offers free baggage storage.

8:30 PM: Get on our cozy sleeper bus headed for Ha Giang. Arriving at Ha Giang City at around 3:00 AM, you will be greeted with a free dorm room so you may relax before the experience starts. Eat a substantial meal at 8:00 AM and start your trip at 8:45 AM.

Day 1: Ha Giang City to Dong Van

Meet your guide and easy rider at 8:30 AM as we start the remarkable Ha Giang Loop trip. The path leads us from Bac Sum Pass to Heaven Gate, where we will be surrounded by breathtaking views of Tam Son town and the Twin Mountains.

One of the highlights of this trip is the exclusive boat tour offered by Cheers Hostel & Tour, providing a unique perspective on the region only accessible by boat.  Ha Giang's natural beauty opens out before us as we glide across the calm waterways.

Lunch will be at a nearby guesthouse in Nam Dam village; then, we will have a little rest. Passing the picturesque Chin Khoanh Pass and Tham Ma Pass, our journey proceeds toward Dong Van. With breathtaking vistas of unending rice fields, stunning limestone formations, and energetic hill-tribe settlements, the whole Dong Van Karst Plateau - a UNESCO-recognized legacy site - offers you a window into local life.

We will next see the Hmong King's Palace in Sa Phin, once the Vương family called home. Late afternoon we will arrive in Dong Van, where you may relax with a classic Vietnamese meal followed by a vibrant karaoke session. You have evening to unwind and replenish yourself for the following day of discovery.

Day 2: Dong Van to Nho Que River and Up North

Following a filling breakfast, we left Dong Van Town headed for the famous Ma Pi Leng Pass. Renowned for its breathtaking panoramic vistas and sharp cliffs, this route is a must-see for any visitor. The amazing scenery all around us will captivate you as we negotiate the meandering roads.

We will next stop at the Nho Que River, where a picturesque boat trip on its glistening emerald waters calls for. This peaceful experience is ideal for a contrast to the rough terrain we recently crossed since it lets you really enjoy the calm beauty of the area.

Our path leads us next to the Lung Cu Flag Tower, a monument honoring the northernmost point of Vietnam and symbolizing the unification of the 54 ethnic groups that call there home. From the summit, you can look across the border into China and consider the inevitable separation of two countries.

Following a busy day of discovery, we make our way back to Dong Van Town for a deserved evening in a nice hotel. Wander slowly over the little old town as the sun sets to really enjoy the waning hours of your day and soak in the vivid local vibe.

Day 3: Dong Van to Du Gia Cheers Homestay

We leave Dong Van Town after breakfast and go toward the Ma Pi Leng Pass, the journey's climax. With its highest point at 2,000 meters, this pass - often known as the "king of passes" - in Vietnam is renowned for its spectacular cliffs and amazing vistas. We will walk along the Sky Path to get a closer perspective of the whole valley and the Nho Que River while we enjoy the amazing surroundings.

At the peak, Ma Pi Leng Pass will be breathtakingly 360° panoramic vista available. The scenery of the great rivers and mountains is very amazing. From there, we carry on our trip over Meo Vac, Mau Due, and Lung Ho, stopping for lunch at each of the villages.

We travel across the craggy mountains in the afternoon toward Du Gia, where you will stay at a rustic guesthouse tucked away among verdant rice fields. After a nice supper with the local hosts, have a vibrant evening of "Happy Water," singing, and dancing. Get ready for a great evening - one, two, three... Hi! It is going to be fantastic!

Day 4: Du Gia to Ha Giang and Return to Hanoi

For those looking for an exciting ride or a more comfortable and adventurous experience, we have two amazing choices for your journey back as our adventure ends: the Basic Motorbike with an Easyrider or the Big Bike with an Easyrider. The strong features of the Big Bike make it the ideal vehicle for negotiating the difficult terrain of Ha Giang, so guaranteeing your last ride to be as unforgettable as the trip itself.

You might consider the amazing encounters and stunning scenery that have opened out over the past three days as we return to Ha Giang. Providing a pleasant finale to your trip, a luxury bus awaits to carry you back to Hanoi, or maybe forward to Sapa, Ninh Binh, or Cat Ba.

Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Tour 3 Days 3 Nights

On this three-day, three-night motorcycle excursion, explore the incredible beauty of Ha Giang alongside experienced Easy Riders. Deep into Vietnam's amazing northern highlands, this trip will take you to vibrant ethnic culture, twisting mountain roads, and amazing karst landscape.

Night 0: Getting to Ha Giang ( By Bus)

Meeting at Cheers Hostel Hanoi located on 05 Au Trieu Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi at 8:00 PM. Have free coffee and tea all through the day. Cheers Hostel in both Ha Giang City and Hanoi also provides free luggage storage for your ease.

8:30 PM: Board our little sleeper bus going for Ha Giang. Arriving in Ha Giang City at 3:00 AM, you will be welcomed with a free dorm room so you may unwind before the trip begins. Start your journey at 8:45 AM after having a hearty breakfast at 8:00 AM.

Day 1: From Ha Giang City to Dong Van

YOur trip starts at 8:00 AM with a mouthwatering breakfast and a meeting with the MOTOGO Tours tour leader and local easy rider, who will provide a quick summary of the day ahead. The trip starts toward the magnificent Dong Van Stone Plateau around 9:00 AM. At 10:00 AM, you will have a special boat journey on the river - an experience unique to our Tour.

Lunch in Yen Minh Town around 11:30 AM offers a sample of regional food. Driving over the breathtaking Chin Khoanh Pass to Dong Van Town, the journey lasts 1:30 PM. You will stop at Tham Ma Slope, a gorgeous location for photographs of local ladies dressed traditionally surrounded by vivid buckwheat flowers. You then will tour the century-old, historically rich Hmong King's Palace.

You will get to Dong Van Town by 5:00 PM, check into your hotel, and have a great meal. Later, use some free time to explore the little historic town at night. The stunning scenery of the Dong Van Stone Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark, will surround you all day providing amazing vistas and energizing fresh air.

Day 2: Exploring the Majestic Ma Pi Leng Pass

Breakfast starts our day at 8:40 AM and then we explore the energetic Dong Van Market, a fresh experience. Should it be Sunday, you will be in for a unique experience as the weekly local market opens and residents come to trade things and swap necessities for everyday use.

The adventure carries on around 10:00 AM as you make your way to the magnificent Ma Pi Leng Pass in northern Vietnam. Along the Sky Path, you will walk in panoramic perspective of the breathtaking Nho Que River below.

The path then takes you over rural communities and the spectacular settings of Meo Vac, Mau Due, and Lung Ho. You will stop at a waterfall along the road, which is ideal for swimming and relaxation in the calm natural surrounds.

You will reach Cheers Lodge, tucked away among verdant rice fields, in the twilight. With a large home-cooked supper made by a local host family, where you will connect with other guests, the evening promises adventure. Don't miss the "Happy Water," the local corn wine that will elevate your celebration and provide a very real touch to this remarkable event.

Day 3: A Journey Through Ethnic Culture and Scenic Wonders

By 10:30 AM, you will arrive in Lung Tam, a rural home of the Hmong ethnic group known for its expert textile handicaps. Here you will be able to discover the lovely handcrafted goods and study about their ancient weaving methods. Along with a glimpse of the famous Fairy Mountain, you will pass Quan Ba, where a lunch halt awaits, continuing the trip.

Following the magnificent Sky Gate, you will return via Bac Sum Pass and get one more view of the amazing landscape before reaching Ha Giang late afternoon. You will board a limousine bus at 4:00 PM for a pleasant return journey to Hanoi. By 10:00 PM, you will reach the vibrant Hanoi Old Quarter and finish your remarkable Ha Giang journey.

Must-Visit Attractions Along the Ha Giang Loop Tour

Exploring the Ha Giang Loop is more than just a journey; it’s a chance to experience stunning natural beauty, historic sites, and breathtaking views. Here are the top stops along the way:

Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark

A UNESCO-recognized site, the Dong Van Karst Plateau spans over 2,300 square kilometers, featuring limestone formations, deep gorges, and ancient fossils. The area is home to ethnic minorities living in traditional villages, offering a glimpse into local life as you pass through.

Ma Pi Leng Pass

Known as the "King of Passes," Ma Pi Leng is Vietnam's most majestic mountain pass. Winding through limestone cliffs, it provides panoramic views of the emerald-green Nho Que River, making it a thrilling highlight of the Ha Giang Loop.

Lung Cu Flag Tower

Located at Vietnam's northernmost point near the Chinese border, Lung Cu Flag Tower symbolizes national pride. Climbing its 400 steps rewards visitors with views of the massive Vietnamese flag and the surrounding mountainous landscape.

Hmong King's Palace (Vuong Family Mansion)

Located in Sa Phin Valley, this historical mansion served as the residence of the Hmong king during the French colonial era. The palace blends Chinese, French, and Hmong architectural influences, and is now a museum showcasing local history.

Tham Ma Pass

Famous for its challenging hairpin turns, Tham Ma Pass offers a thrilling ride. Surrounded by terraced fields and rocky hills, the pass provides beautiful landscapes and a true adventure for motorbikers.

Du Gia Village

Nestled in a tranquil valley, Du Gia Village is a peaceful stop where visitors can experience the lifestyle of the Tay and H'mong people. It’s an ideal place for homestays and sampling regional cuisine.

The Nho Que River

One of Vietnam’s most scenic rivers, Nho Que runs through steep gorges and valleys. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from above on the Ma Pi Leng Pass, or take a boat trip to experience the river’s beauty up close.

Hoang Su Phi Terraced Fields

Hoang Su Phi is well-known for its amazing terraced rice fields, somewhat off the main Ha Giang Loop. September and October are the ideal times to come since the fields are most alive at these months.

The Ha Giang Loop is a journey through Vietnam’s most spectacular landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re seeking adventure, connecting with local communities, or enjoying the unique food, this route offers an unforgettable experience.

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